Sprains are some of the most common orthopaedic injuries in the world. They can occur as a result of sporting injuries or while merely completing everyday tasks. Recovering from a sprain can be a slow and frustrating process, but thankfully our home doctor service for sprains in Costa del Sol have plenty of advice to help aid your recovery.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments connecting your joints. Ligaments are elastic, band-like structures that hold the bones of your joints together and prevent excess turning and twisting when you move and use the joint. In normal movement, the ligaments can stretch slightly and then retract back to their normal shape and size instantly and painlessly. When a ligament becomes sprained because they've been stretched beyond their limits, movement can become stiff and painful. Depending on the severity of your sprain, you ligaments will be either partially or fully torn.
How is a sprain diagnosed?
To diagnose a sprained ligament, you'll likely need an X-ray. Imagining diagnostics will help confirm that no bones are broken and that you receive the right treatment.
Symptoms of a sprain
Sprains usually cause a degree of pain and swelling that typically last for a few days. The injury may also make moving or using your joint more difficult than usual.
How long should recovery take?
Our home doctor service for sprains in Costa del Sol recommends you allow for four to six weeks for your sprain to heal. Depending on the severity of your sprain, it may take longer than this, but if the injury isn't too bad, it could take less time too.
What to do during recovery
Here are some top tips from our home doctor service for sprains in Costa del Sol to help aid your recovery.
- Rest: Try not to use the injured limb too often, whether this means not walking if your ankle is sprained or avoiding using your hand if your wrist is sprained.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injury immediately to reduce swelling. During recovery, use an ice pack for 20-30 minutes, four times per day.
- Compression: Use elastic bandages to stabilise the joint and reduce pain and swelling during the healing process.
- Elevation: Try to keep the injured area elevated for 48 hours after a sprain.
If you have a more severe sprain, our home doctor service for sprains in Costa del Sol may recommend more sturdy splints or casts to keep the joint immobilised while it heals. If your ankle is damaged, you may also be given crutches to help you move about without putting added pressure on the sprain.
As part of our home doctor service for sprains in Costa del Sol, you'll also be given a series of rehabilitation exercises to help improve the movement of your joint.
If you've recently suffered a sprain and would like some help supporting your recovery, get in touch with our home doctor service for sprains in Costa del Sol.